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Liveblog

This morning, UK Prime Minister Theresa May finally outlined just exactly how she plans to extract the UK from the EU following last year’s Brexit referendum. Sort of. Kinda.

That May was seeking a so-called ‘hard’ Brexit – ie one which would see Britain exit the single market amongst other things – was no secret. But just how hard a hard Brexit are we talking? And when will it happen?

Here’s how it all went down.

11:46AM
· 17 JAN 17

Theresa May has been effectively avoiding questions as to just what kind of Brexit her government favours.

A strong train of thought is that the main reason for this is that the UK government has been floundering with indecision in the face of an economic catastrophe they never believed could actually happen.

But, as Theresa is so fond of telling us, will Brexit really mean Brexit?

That would not be the act of a friend. Britain could not and would not accept such a deal.

12:33PM
· 17 JAN 17

So, the speech has ended, we have our 12 points for Brexit, pretty much no details of how they’ll be achieved, and now it’s time for a Q&A.

12:36PM
· 17 JAN 17

Will EU nationals be treated the exact same way as non-EU nationals post-Brexit asks a London Times journalist?

“We do recognise the importance of immigration, we recognise the contribution of those who have come here and who are still her, but our immigration policy will follow the plan which I have set out,” is the reply.

So, maybe, is the answer.

12:39PM
· 17 JAN 17

If Parliament rejects the deal, will Britain still be in the EU?

“Today is about coming together and analysing the opportunities available to us across the world, and then bringing them home,” is May’s answer.

The British Parliament has made it very clear it wants us to get on with it, and that is what we are doing.

12:42PM
· 17 JAN 17

Source: Kirsty Wigglesworth

A Spanish journalist, from El Pais, asks if migration is completely off the table.

“This is not about a confrontation,” is May’s reply. “This is about what is right for the EU, I mean the UK.”

And erm, as far as how things are to be specifically achieved, there was next to nothing. It was a very aspirational speech indeed

12:46PM
· 17 JAN 17

The Irish Government has issued a statement in the wake of May’s speech:

“The Government has noted the contents of Prime Minister May’s speech today and welcomes the fact that it provides greater clarity on the proposed approach of the British Government to the Brexit negotiation process,” it reads.

For Ireland, the priorities for the negotiation process that lies ahead are unchanged: our economic and trading arrangements, the Northern Ireland Peace Process including border issues, the common travel area, and the future of the European Union.

In her speech, Prime Minister May highlighted the specific and historic relationship between Britain and Ireland. In this context, she made clear that her priorities include maintaining the common travel area and avoiding a return to a hard border with Northern Ireland, both of which are welcome.

12:48PM
· 17 JAN 17

That statement continues:

The Government notes that the British approach is now firmly that of a country which will have left the EU but which seeks to negotiate a new, close relationship with it. While this will inevitably be seen by many as a “hard exit”, the analysis across Government has covered all possible models for the future UK relationship with the EU.

So… is it a hard exit or isn’t it? Does anyone know?

The Government’s preparation (for Brexit) is extensive. Important organisational changes have been implemented in Government Departments and Agencies, with additional resources provided in key areas. Preparation to date includes the contingency work done before the UK referendum, intensified analysis and scenario planning carried out across all key sectors since, and extensive stakeholder consultation and engagement including through the all-island Civic Dialogue process.

So, we have it all in hand. Nothing to worry about.

12:52PM
· 17 JAN 17

Source: Sam Boal

And that, for now, is your lot. Not a huge amount has been revealed, but it should relieve some of the pressure on the UK PM. For a few days at least.

For now, we have Theresa’s 12 points of Brexit to pick over.

Thanks for being with us, we’ll be back later with analysis of the British Prime Minister’s speech. Bye.

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